'Preference whisperer' Glenn Druery set to join Ricky Muir's team as senior adviser

Glenn Druery, the political operative known as "the preference whisperer", will become the driving force behind Victorian senator-elect Ricky Muir as his senior adviser.

Fairfax Media has learnt Mr Druery, who got his nickname for his knack at getting unknown candidates with tiny primary votes, like Mr Muir, elected to Parliament, will officially take on the role in the coming days.

Glenn Druery has played a key role in getting candidates with small primary votes elected to Parliament.

Photo: James Alcock

Mr Muir, a political novice from the Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party, is part of the crucial Palmer United Party bloc that will control the balance of power in the new Senate from July 1.

Mr Druery will work alongside Motoring Enthusiast party founder Keith Littler but is likely to take a lead role in negotiating with the Abbott government on behalf of Mr Muir.

Loading

Advertisement

Mr Druery, who convenes the Minor Party Alliance – a forum for small parties to construct preference deals that can magnify their vote, was paid by Clive Palmer to negotiate PUP preferences before the recent Senate byelection in Western Australia.

He is likely to bring a hard-bargaining style, with the Motoring Enthusiast Party joining Mr Palmer in refusing to deal with Prime Minister Tony Abbott until they are afforded more staff and resources.

Fairfax Media revealed last week that Mr Muir had knocked back a meeting with Mr Abbott, saying he was too busy at work at a sawmill in regional Victoria.

At the time, Mr Littler said: ''There was a request to the PM for resources and that was declined and yet the PM expects everyone to be at his beck and call.''

Senator-elect Ricky Muir.

Photo: Jacky Ghossein

Mr Druery confirmed discussions with the Motoring Enthusiast party were ongoing but stressed he had not signed on in any capacity.

"At this stage no documents have been signed," said Mr Druery.

It is understood that Mr Druery has already been instrumental in Mr Muir's decision to establish his Victorian office at Treasury Place in Melbourne, a state government building that houses a number of other senators, including members of the government.

Mr Muir had originally wanted to open office in Sale, eastern Victoria, close to his home town of Heyfield.